Cizre Pazar Köftecisi is a street food stall and small eatery on Pazar Yeri Sokak in the bazaar district of Cizre, a city in Şırnak province in southeastern Turkey. Pazar Yeri (Market Place) is the commercial heart of Cizre, with daily and weekly market activity bringing a steady flow of shoppers, vendors, and traders throughout the daytime hours — and the köfteci (köfte seller) has positioned itself squarely to serve this transient crowd. The format is minimal and fast: hand-formed köfte (spiced ground lamb patties) are grilled over charcoal, placed in halved bread rolls with sliced tomato and onion, and served with a pot of acılı ezme (spicy tomato and pepper relish) for dipping or spreading. Eating standing at the counter is the norm for market visitors who have not come to sit down for a meal but need a quick, satisfying bite between purchases. The piyaz (white bean salad with parsley, onion, olive oil, and lemon) is the closest thing on the menu to a side dish and adds protein and freshness when ordered alongside the köfte ekmek. Ayran is the drink of choice. The price ceiling of TRY 70 makes this the cheapest full protein snack in the Cizre eating landscape, and for market visitors the value is exceptional. Hours of 10:00 to 19:00 align with market trading hours rather than a restaurant dining schedule, with the peak of activity between 11:00 and 15:00. The köfteci rating of 4.1 is strong for street food and reflects consistent quality in a category where consistency is the primary measure of success. The Pazar Yeri location immerses visitors in the everyday commercial life of Cizre in a way that no sit-down restaurant in the city replicates.
Signature dishes
- Köfte ekmek
- Acılı ezme
- Piyaz
- Ayran
Good to know
- Known for
- Grilled köfte sandwiches eaten standing at the market
- Hours
- 10:00–19:00 daily
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
Pazar Yeri Sokak, Cizre, Şırnak
37.3267, 42.1941 View on map
Highlights
- Street-style köfte ekmek grilled over charcoal and served in bread with acılı ezme in the Cizre bazaar
- Prices from TRY 30 — the most affordable cooked protein option in the Cizre eating landscape
- Market-district location providing an immersive experience of everyday commercial life in Cizre
- Hours aligned with market trading (10:00–19:00), busiest and freshest between 11:00 and 15:00
Tips for visiting
- Two köfte ekmek with ayran and piyaz makes a complete snack meal for around TRY 60–70 — the most practical market lunch
- Eat standing at the counter in the market tradition; there may be limited seating inside or on a narrow bench
- Ask for extra acılı ezme — the spicy tomato relish is made fresh and greatly improves the köfte ekmek
- Arrive between 11:00 and 14:00 when the grill is most active and the market foot traffic is at its peak
Accessibility
The stall is on Pazar Yeri Sokak in the Cizre bazaar area. Market street access can involve uneven paving, narrow lanes, and crowded conditions during peak hours. Standing eating at the counter is the standard format, which may not suit all visitors.
Frequently asked questions
What is köfte ekmek?
Köfte ekmek is a Turkish street food consisting of grilled minced lamb or beef patties (köfte) served in a bread roll with sliced tomato and onion. It is eaten throughout Turkey at markets, by roadsides, and at casual street stalls.
What is piyaz?
Piyaz is a Turkish salad of cooked white beans dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and raw onion. It is a common accompaniment to grilled meat dishes in the Turkish street food tradition.
Is this a sit-down restaurant or a standing snack stall?
The primary format is standing — market visitors typically eat at or near the counter. There may be a few stools or a narrow bench, but this is not a conventional sit-down restaurant.
Is the köfte halal?
Yes — köfte at Turkish market stalls is made from halal-certified lamb in accordance with standard Turkish food production practices.